!937 Ford commercial truck

[Torchie]

Count the head studs. If there is 21 it's a pre 1938 Motor. If 24 a 38 or later Motor.
The earlier versions(Up to mid 36 I think) had babbitted bearings, The late 36 thru the production end had removeable bearing on the mains and rods.
The stamped number on the frame and trans are what was used as a VIN number back then. NUmber on the engine may match as well if it hasn't been changed out. Which is rare.
Mac Van Pelts site is a great info resource.
Cab and sheet metal parts look pretty good especially for a commercial vehicle.Some of the stuff like the windshield frame should be interchangable with a half ton pick up truck.
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Torchie

 

[kenny c]

Thanks Torchie. I will look into it more. I think it has more than 21 studs. The number that is cast into the top of the bell housing does not match the other two. Maybe it is newer.

 

[kenny c]

Stuck the hood and grill in place just to see what it looks like.Not too bad. A couple interior shots too. I tried to research the engine a little and I'm a bit confused. The engine number is " F14144 ". From what I can find I'm missing a letter in the middle that gives the year. It has 24 studs, that makes it 38 to 48. The distributor is from 32 to 41. and the heads have the letter A cast in them. these were used from 38 to 40 I think. But the paint on the heads doesn't match the block. Also from what I read the way the block is cast it is a pre 59AB motor.[S I may have to pull it apart to get more info. Any help figuring this thing out would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[kenny c]

couple more pics.

 

[Torchie]

Most unrestored Flatheads like yours are a mix and match affair kenny. My last one came with do different heads. Your block should have the front mounted "Crab" style distributor but they may have swapped it out for the earlier "Diving bell" style.
Here is a link that may help sort things out for you.
Torchie
https://itstillruns.com/identify-ford-flathead-v8-7512160.html

 

[Old Iron]

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[Bamamav]

I think, but don't hold me to it, that the cab is the same on all trucks, maybe the hoods, too. Grill I think is different as well as fenders and running boards.
Oh, and frames are bigger and heavier on the big trucks than the pickups which used a passenger car frame.

I've seen one at shows around here that looks original on the outside, but has a small block for power. It has a 8' or 10' flatbed dump on it. I think it might have a rear end from a Japan 1 ton like a Hino or Mitsubishi, it's running the original duals. I want to say it's also a 5 speed.

 

[kenny c]

Bamamav; I think you are correct. I've been playing with ideas for this one. I don't think the cummins 6 BT is the best idea. I would have to chop up the cab too much. Maybe a 302 with a five speed and more modern axles with brakes. For now it has to get stuffed in the corner till I get the 49 done. Or done enough to sell.